Wilson Trail (Hong Kong Parkview to Stanley Gap Road)

An arduous trail with steep climbs, this part of the Wilson Trail will take you up and down The Twins and Violet Hill, offering you rewarding encounters with extraordinary wildlife like cheetah-spotted butterflies, metallic-blue dragonflies and blue-tailed skinks as well as a beautiful panorama of Stanley Village and the deep blue sea beyond.

Starting Point — Wong Nai Chung Reservoir

Wong Nai Chung, literally ‘yellowish muddy creek’, was dammed in 1889 to form Wong Nai Chung Reservoir. Have fun spotting kois, catfish and tortoises, or ride a pedal boat for a relaxing morning.

Violet Hill

Continue on Tai Tam Reservoir Road for three minutes. Before you reach Hong Kong Parkview, turn onto Wilson Trail Section 1 as you see the sign that reads ‘Stanley Section’. The steps in the tree tunnel serves as a good warm up for the more intense hike later. After a 15-minute ascent, you reach an open area with a sweeping view of the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir. Along the path, you can also find blue-tailed skinks, various butterfly and dragonfly species, wild berries and violet-coloured flowers, after which this hill is named.

A glimpse of Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay, a popular coastal resort, is where the classic Chinese love story ‘Love in a Fallen City’ by Eileen Chang was set. It is famous for its white sands and an interesting variety of architecture of very different styles. You will enjoy the magnificent view of its shimmering beach and turquoise waters as you descend Violet Hill.

The Twins

Upon crossing Tze Kong Bridge, follow the sign that directs you to Stanley Gap Road. Hike up the ‘Thousand Steps’ — a local nickname for the apparently endless flight of stairs. You will be rewarded with the panorama of Tai Tam Bay, Tung Tau Wan, Bluff Head and Tai Tam Tau after conquering the challenging Twins at Ma Kong Shan View Compass.

End Point — Stanley Gap Road

The overwhelming spectacle of Stanley is a blissful finale to the hike. Spot the beautiful St. Stephen’s Beach, Stanley Peninsula, Stanley Main Beach, Murray House and many more iconic attractions as you descend to Stanley Gap Road.

Trail photos provided by HK Discovery.

Info

Area:

Southern District

Starting point:

Wong Nai Chung Reservoir

End point:

Stanley Gap Road

Average hiking time:

About 3 hours

Distance:

Approximately 4.8 km

Replenishing stations:

There are no refreshment stops except at the beginning and end. Moreover, the hike is physically demanding. Stock up before the trip and make sure you bring a sufficient amount of water.

Difficulty:

Very difficult (Limited shade, physically demanding, no replenishment stops along the hike)

How to get there

To the starting point:

By minibus: From MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit D, take minibus 5 at the crossroad of Jaffe Road and Cannon Street to
Wong Nai Chung Reservoir; or,